Celtics vs Rockets Picks and Prediction – 1/4/2025

Two of the top teams in the NBA will square off on Friday night, when the Boston Celtics visit the Toyota Center to face the Houston Rockets. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Celtics (25-9) have won 12 of their first 15 road games and hold a one-game lead over New York for second place in the Eastern Conference standings. Last night, Boston connected on 22-for-57 from long distance during a 118-115 road victory against Minnesota. 

All-Star F Jayson Tatum tallied a game-high 33 points (13-27 FG), nine assists, and eight rebounds. Boston G Derrick White nailed half of his ten three-point attempts and finished with 26 points. Jrue Holiday added 11 points and eight assists for the Celtics. 

The Houston Rockets have won 12 of their first 17 home games and trail Memphis by a half-game for second place in the Western Conference standings. The Rockets (22-11) rank second in the league in defensive efficiency and are allowing 106.4 points per contest. On Wednesday, Houston forced 20 turnovers during a 110-99 home victory versus Dallas. 

Houston C Alperen Sengun led all scorers with 23 points on 9-for-16 shooting and pulled down six boards. Jalen Green chipped in 22 points (9-21 FG) and five rebounds. Dillon Brooks added 19 points and six rebounds for the Rockets, who shot 47 percent from the field. 

Boston G Jaylen Brown (shoulder) and C Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) missed last night’s game due to injury. These two squads rank in the top eight of the league in defensive efficiency, so points will be difficult to come by. With the Celtics playing on consecutive nights, take the Rockets to win at home. Final Score Prediction, Houston Rockets win 112-107.